Tokelau’s current flag was officially adopted in 2009.
The flag was presented as Tokelau’s first official flag on 7 September 2009, after approval by Tokelau’s General Fono and approval by Queen Elizabeth II. Before that, New Zealand’s flag served as Tokelau’s official flag.
Its design shows a golden Tokelauan canoe sailing toward four white stars representing the Southern Cross. The blue field reflects the surrounding Pacific, while the canoe symbolizes Tokelau’s journey toward determining the best form of governance for its people. The Southern Cross also functions as a navigational symbol.
The date can be confused with earlier stages in the design process. A proposal was discussed in 2007, and the General Fono approved final national symbols in May 2008. However, those milestones were not the formal adoption of the current flag. The official presentation and adoption date is 7 September 2009.